Review of Bear Knight by James R. Hannibal
A.E. Jackson Review Score: 4 / 5 Ravens
How was this review scored?
Bear Knight by James R. Hannibal, comes out February 14, 2023 from Enclave Publishers, and it’s Book 2 in the Lightraider Academy Series.
In the tradition of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien this fantasy is layered with deeper meaning and allegory throughout. Where Lewis and Tolkien shy away from direct reference to Biblical scripture, Hannibal includes the Word as a believable world building technique. These masterful strokes of storytelling encourage readers that their faith can be more than intellectual belief, it can be lived out.
Those masterworks draw readers from diverse backgrounds into the fantastic worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth. While they can reveal a deeper meaning through proper analysis, the message is often lost. Hannibal’s fantasy land serves as a gateway to bring many believers into those other stories’ lands with renewed purpose, and to welcome longtime epic fantasy readers into a realm that embolden’s their faith.
As Bear Knight begins, darkness looms in the Dragon Lands.
War is brewing, and new threats have emerged in Keledev. The watchmen of Thousand Falls and the Windhold find goblin tunnels in the slopes of the mountain barrier that may hold many dangerous creatures. At the same time, scouting missions into the Dragon Lands confirm that the dragons are building an army of tortured Aladoth villagers to destroy the Liberated Land.
To protect Kara Orso, the young woman Connor and Lee rescued, the headmaster sends them to the Second Hall to face the intrigues of the Assembly in her place. Far to the south, the two cadets learn of an old weapon designed to end the war between the dragons and the Liberated Land forever. To restore the honor of his family and renew the hope of his people, Connor believes he must find the weapon and use it to destroy the dragon leader.
While Connor, Lee, and an assemblyman’s daughter scour the Dragon Lands for the weapon, Kara and Tiran are drawn north into the Forest of Horrors on a mission of their own—to find and save one tortured man. To succeed, both parties must face their fears and lean on the peace and strength of the Rescuer.
Hannibal ushers readers into a vast world with each passing sentence. There is depth and breadth to the culture, landscape, and history that is made known through clear language and majestic descriptions. Keledev, the Dragon Lands, and other surrounding regions are part of a living, breathing world. The reader senses there are very real consequences for the character’s actions, decisions, and beliefs. Readers gain the satisfaction of solving puzzles and riddles alongside the characters, in much the same way roleplaying games spool out adventure threads. The entire story will let readers feel what its like being part of a grand adventure!
The author has developed a unique language for the world, and makes great use of it when translated to English. The Lightraders display their knowledge and ability to wield Biblical scripture similar to the way other fantasy characters wield magic spells. It brought me a lot of pleasure and encouragement to watch the characters live out their faith through bold and courageous action. In fact, the faith demonstrated by the characters makes readers believe their faith can be lived out too!
The moral and ethical lessons, drawn from Biblical scripture, are not so overt or on the nose as to be overbearing. Rather, the lessons feel natural and are well presented through the strong actions of characters, and the analogies illustrated in the world around them. Readers will understand the message being shared without feeling like the narrator is preaching.
Wolf Soldier, Book 1 in the Lightraider Academy Series, introduced many larger than life fantasy elements. The author has even more imaginative surprises tucked into Bear Knight. (Flying ships! Flying bears!! Flying armor!!! What!?)
Returning readers will enjoy picking up the story thread of Kara who discovered her faith in Book 1. In Bear Knight, she discovers her heritage and her important place in the fight against evil.
The exciting conclusion sees all the characters drawn together from their separate adventures to confront the manipulative forces of evil one more time. The tale satisfies as it wraps up, and promises plenty of adventure ahead!
Read more from James R. Hannibal at https://jamesrhannibal.com and find him on Facebook (@JamesRHannibal), Twitter (@JamesRHannibal), and Instagram (@JamesRHannibal).